The Ben Roethlisberger Effect: Does He Help Other Steelers Get Into The HoF?

With the season approaching rapidly, I decided to add onto the “Ben Roethlisberger Should Be In the HoF” articles. Instead of looking just at Roethlisberger, lets look at a couple individuals who Ben, himself, could put into the Hall of Fame.

 

Guaranteed Hall of Famers

Hines Ward—When Ben stepped in, he gave the offense and receiving core a boost. Without him, I do not believe Ward’s statistics would be close to what they are now. I don’t think Ward would have gotten to the Super Bowl and received his MVP award without the help of Ben Roethlisberger. With Ben, Hines Ward is going in.

Bill Cowher— Bill Cowher was once known as “The coach who couldn’t win the big one.” When he drafted Roethlisberger, Cowher took a chance on a quarterback from a small school. Luckily for Cowher, it paid off. Roethlisberger was able to take Cowher to his first, and only, championship. Without the Super Bowl victory on his resume, he may not be a candidate for the Hall.

 

Possible Hall of Famers

Troy Polamalu—It is hard to get into the Hall if you are a safety. The two Super Bowl rings certainly help Polamalu’s case. Fast-forwarding to the end of his career; without those two Super Bowl rings, he probably doesn’t make it. Troy can thank Ben for leading them to one Super Bowl and leading the game-winning drive in another.

Santonio Holmes—It is very early in his career, but with Ben throwing Holmes the ball, anything is possible. This is probably the year that Holmes becomes Ben’s go-to-guy. With a couple of good seasons and a couple of Pro Bowl selections, Holmes could become another possible Hall of Famer.

Mike Tomlin—Tomlin just won his first Super Bowl and has a record of 22-10. If Ben can keep up his playing level, he may take Mike Tomlin to the Hall of Fame with him. Mike Tomlin is a great coach who will keep his team in line as they keep him on the path to Canton.

Ben Roethlisberger: The Most Inconsistent Quarterback in The NFL

When Ben Roethlisberger was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2004 draft, expectations were extremely high. By all means, Ben has reached the expectations 220 percent. 

Ben was drafted 11th overall, behind Eli Manning (No. 1) and Philip Rivers (No. 4). Ben has been better than both of those quarterbacks in almost ever category.

The problem with Ben Roethlisberger is his inconsistency on and off of the field. Starting back in 2004 when he first started to play, he was unstoppable and did not lose a regular-season game. When the playoffs came around, he turned into a dud. Easily, you could say the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t lose to New England, Big Ben did.

In 2005, Ben started the season off strong, until he had his knee injury. He came back after a few games, then re-injured his knee. During that time, his play was up and down like a roller coaster. When Ben’s team needed him most at the end of the season, he was there winning his five final regular-season games.

During the first three games of the playoffs, he was spectacular. In the Super Bowl, he was … um … Tommy Maddox bad.  Even though the Steelers won, his performance is said to be one of the worst for a winning quarterback in Super Bowl history.

In 2006, Ben bought a sparkly new bike. Ben loved his bike, and his bike loved him. The problem for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his bike was that a car didn’t like them. That near tragedy in the summer of 2006 cost the Steelers the entire 2006 season. Ben played in 15 games, most of which were not very good performances.

In 2007, Mike Tomlin took over as head coach and showed Ben the way. Ben threw for 32 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. Ben was also fun to watch against the pass rush, as he was remarkable out of the pocket. The postseason came around, and Ben’s four picks made the Steelers one-and-done.

Ben played behind a terrible offensive line, and that killed his statistics. The Steelers used their defense to lead them to a 12-4 record. When the Steelers reached the postseason, the offense took flight and Ben played extremely well, leading the Steelers to their second ring in two years.

The Steelers knew they were getting a championship-caliber quarterback when they drafted Ben Roethlisberger, but they didn’t think it would be a roller coaster ride.

Overall, Ben has done what the Steelers have asked him of for his career. Just think, he may still be around for 10 more years (wait, I forgot, he’s lucky to still be in the league with his linemen).

Hopefully, the Steelers will win more Super Bowls and we won’t have to deal with anymore of Ben’s up and downs.

Five Steelers Whose Performances Could Decline In 2009

The Steelers had an unbelievable 2009 season, completing it with a Super Bowl. Though many Steelers are poised to become better next season, some may decline in talent. This list tells what Steelers fans don’t want to hear, but could have to hear. Keep in mind that this is all speculation and none of this may even happen.

Five Young Pittsburgh Steelers Who Will Have A Great Impact This Season

The Steelers have few question marks as the 2009 season quickly approaches, but do have places for improvement. These young players will provide the Steelers with an even better chance to win the Super Bowl this year, than last. If they can step up, then you see a trip Super Bowl XLIV this coming season.

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010